The Most Popular Barbecue Food, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the barbecue food you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:29
Gathering around a sizzling grill is one of the highlights of many social events, whether it's a family reunion or a casual get-together with friends. Each person often has their strong preferences about which barbecue foods add the most to the feast. By ranking these dishes, we identify which items truly bring people together and spice up any outdoor gathering.
This list is dynamically curated through votes from barbecue enthusiasts like you. By participating, you contribute to a broader understanding of popular tastes and trends in barbecue cuisine. Everyone's input refines this list, making it a reliable source for anyone looking to enhance their next barbecue menu.
What Is the Most Popular Barbecue Food?
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174votesHamburgers are a classic barbecue food that many people enjoy. They are easy to make and can be customized to fit individual tastes.Hamburgers are a popular barbecue food made from ground beef that is shaped into a patty and cooked on a grill or griddle. They are typically served on a sliced bun and can be customized with various toppings and condiments. Hamburgers are known for their juicy and flavorful taste, making them a beloved choice for outdoor cooking.
- Main ingredient: Ground beef
- Shape: Patty
- Cooking method: Grilling or griddling
- Serving style: On a sliced bun
- Customization: Various toppings and condiments
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247votes
Hot dogs
Charles FeltmanHot dogs are another classic barbecue food that are easy to make and are a hit with kids and adults alike. They can be dressed up with a variety of condiments.Hot dogs are a popular barbecue food made from a cooked sausage served in a sliced bun. It is typically grilled or heated and often topped with various condiments and garnishes. It is a classic American staple enjoyed at barbecues, picnics, and sporting events.- Origin: United States
- Main Ingredients: Sausage, Bun
- Cooking Method: Grilled or heated
- Toppings: Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, Onions, Sauerkraut, Cheese, etc.
- Variations: Beef hot dogs, pork hot dogs, turkey hot dogs, veggie hot dogs
Hot dogs in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular junk food in America
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330votesChicken is a popular barbecue food that is low in fat and high in protein. It can be grilled with a variety of marinades and seasonings.Chicken is a widely consumed type of poultry meat that is loved for its tender and flavorful characteristics. It is commonly used in various cuisines around the world and boasts versatility in cooking methods and dishes. Chicken meat is typically light in color, with a mild taste that can be enhanced with different seasonings and marinades. It is a lean source of protein and is known to provide essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, iron, and zinc.
- Species: Gallus gallus domesticus
- Average Weight: 2.5-3.5 pounds (1.1-1.6 kg)
- Average Lifespan (in the wild): 3-7 years
- Feeding Type: Omnivore
- Popular Breeds: Broilers, Cornish Cross, Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock
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414votesRibs are a barbecue favorite that are known for being tender and flavorful. They can be cooked with a variety of sauces and rubs.Ribs are a popular barbecue food consisting of cooked bone-in meat, typically pork or beef, that is known for its tender and flavorful qualities. The meat is seasoned with a dry rub or marinade, slow-cooked over low heat, and often glazed with a tangy and sticky barbecue sauce. Ribs are often cooked using various methods, such as smoking, grilling, or baking in an oven, depending on regional preferences and traditions.
- Meat Type: Pork or Beef
- Cooking Method: Smoking, Grilling, or Baking
- Seasoning: Dry rub or marinade
- Heat: Slow-cooked over low heat
- Sauce: Often glazed with barbecue sauce
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524votes
Thogru · CC BY-SA 3.0Pulled pork is a popular barbecue dish that is made by slow-cooking pork until it is tender enough to be pulled apart with a fork. It is typically served with barbecue sauce.Pulled pork is a popular pork dish that is made by slow-cooking a pork shoulder or pork butt until it becomes tender enough to be easily shredded or 'pulled' apart. It is typically seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly juicy and flavorful. Pulled pork is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and its versatility in various cuisines and dishes.- Cut of Pork: Pork shoulder or pork butt
- Cooking Technique: Slow-cooking
- Seasoning: Blend of spices (can vary based on regional preferences)
- Cooking Time: Several hours
- Texture: Tender and easily shredded
Pulled pork in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular pork products
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611votesBrisket is a cut of beef that is often slow-cooked on a barbecue to make it tender and flavorful. It is typically served sliced or chopped.Brisket is a popular cut of meat known for its tender and flavorful qualities. It is a beef cut that comes from the breast or lower chest area of the animal. The brisket is comprised of two parts: the flat and the point. The flat is leaner and smoother, while the point is fattier and more marbled.
- Texture: Tender and juicy
- Flavor: Rich and beefy
- Cooking Methods: Smoking, slow roasting, braising
- Recommended internal temperature: 195°F (90°C)
- Ideal seasoning: Dry rubs with a combination of spices
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713votes
SimpleFoodie · Public domainCorn on the cob is a popular barbecue side dish that is easy to prepare and is a hit with both kids and adults. It can be seasoned with butter, salt, and other spices.Corn on the cob is a popular barbecue food made with corn kernels still attached to the cob. It is enjoyed for its sweet and juicy taste, enhanced by the smoky flavor from grilling. It is often served as a side dish or as a main course at outdoor gatherings.- Type: Barbecue food
- Main ingredient: Corn
- Preparation: Grilling
- Taste: Sweet and juicy
- Flavor enhancement: Smoky
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86votes
Silar · CC BY-SA 3.0Baked beans are a classic barbecue side dish that are typically made with canned beans, bacon, and barbecue sauce. They are easy to make and are a hit with many people.Baked beans are a popular barbecue food dish that originated in the United States. They are made with navy beans or pinto beans, which are slow-cooked with various ingredients to create a rich and savory dish. The beans are typically baked in the oven or slow cooker, giving them a thick and flavorful sauce.- Type of Beans: Navy beans or Pinto beans
- Cooking Method: Baked or Slow-cooked
- Flavor Profile: Rich and savory
- Sauce Consistency: Thick
- Primary Ingredients: Beans, molasses, brown sugar, onions, bacon or pork
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98votesPotato salad is another classic barbecue side dish that is made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, and other ingredients like celery, onion, and mustard. It is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that pairs well with grilled meats.Potato salad is a classic side dish commonly found at barbecues and picnics. It is made with boiled potatoes that are diced and then mixed with various ingredients to create a flavorful and creamy salad. The recipe for potato salad varies across different cultures and regions, but it typically includes mayonnaise, mustard, chopped onions, celery, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs. The salad is seasoned with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to add depth of flavor. It can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for outdoor gatherings.
- Primary ingredient: Boiled potatoes
- Additional ingredients: Mayonnaise, mustard, onions, celery, pickles, boiled eggs, herbs
- Flavor profile: Creamy and tangy
- Texture: Soft and chunky
- Serving temperature: Chilled or cold
Potato salad in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular potato dish
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107votesColeslaw is a refreshing side dish that is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables. It is typically dressed with mayonnaise or vinegar and can be customized with a variety of seasonings.Coleslaw is a popular side dish that is commonly served at barbecues. It consists of shredded or thinly sliced cabbage mixed with a creamy dressing. The dish provides a refreshing and creamy contrast to the smoky flavors of barbecue meats.
- Main ingredient: Cabbage
- Dressing: Creamy (mayonnaise or sour cream based)
- Texture: Crunchy
- Additional vegetables: Carrots, onions, or bell peppers
- Seasonings: Vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper
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Ranking factors for popular barbecue food
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Taste and flavorThe overall taste and flavor of the barbecue food is crucial as it directly affects the appeal and popularity of the food. This includes the seasoning, marinade, and the cooking technique used, such as whether it is grilled, smoked, or barbecued.
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Meat qualityThe quality of the meat used in the barbecue dish plays a significant role in determining its popularity. This factor includes the cut, grade, and freshness of the meat.
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TextureThe texture of the barbecue food, such as its tenderness or juiciness, also affects its popularity.
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Cooking methodDifferent cooking methods like grilling, smoking, and barbecuing contribute to the overall flavor and appeal of the dish.
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PresentationAttractive and mouthwatering presentation can also play a role in the popularity of barbecue food, as people tend to eat with their eyes first.
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Regional preferencesCertain barbecue foods may be more popular in specific regions or cultures due to local tastes and traditions.
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VersatilityBarbecue dishes that can be easily customized with various sauces, sides, and toppings often gain more popularity, as they cater to a wide range of taste preferences.
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Dietary restrictionsBarbecue dishes that cater to various dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, can also attract more patrons.
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Availability and accessibilityThe ease of obtaining the ingredients and preparing the barbecue food can also contribute to its popularity.
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PriceThe affordability of the barbecue food can be a determining factor in its popularity, as it affects whether people are willing to try and enjoy the dish frequently.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular barbecue food. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or barbecue is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2029 views
- 232 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each barbecue once every 24 hours. The rank of each barbecue is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular barbecue food
Barbecuing is a beloved American pastime, and the food that we cook over the flames is just as important as the act of grilling itself. From juicy burgers and hot dogs to tender ribs and pulled pork, there are countless options for the perfect barbecue cuisine. But when it comes to deciding on the most popular barbecue food, opinions can vary widely. Some swear by classic hot dogs and hamburgers, while others prefer the smoky flavor of brisket or the tangy taste of pulled pork. No matter what your personal preference may be, one thing is certain: when it comes to barbecue, the options are endless. So fire up the grill, grab your favorite ingredients, and get ready to savor the taste of summer with the most popular barbecue foods around.
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